Big Lead Sports Bar

1/11/2008

Jim Colony's Extra Point: The 2008 Pittsburgh Pirates

As part of the sweeping changes in store for Mondesi's House this year, I'm happy to announce a new feature: Jim Colony's Extra Points. As you know, Jim is the drive-time sports announcer for ESPN Radio 1250 in Pittsburgh. And he's such a nice guy that he's agreed to share the transcripts of his Extra Point segments, which you can hear regularly on 1250. So whenever possible (or whenever Jim feels like sending them), we'll be able to share in the wisdom of a man that spars with Mark Madden on a daily basis. Enjoy!

JIM COLONY'S EXTRA POINT

Some French dude once said, "The more things change, the more they remain the same." (Actually, he said, "Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose," but we'll redd up for Pittsburghers.)

Since those words were uttered in 1849 by Alphonse Karr...and not Nostradamus...I don't think Monsieur Karr had the Pittsburgh Pirates in mind...since your Buccos weren't around for another 33 years and 1993 - the first of what's now 15 straight losing seasons - was still 143 years away. Heck, Jose Mesa wasn’t even born yet!

So how about last week when the Post-Gazette reported that new GM Neal Huntingdon said the Pirates would go into 2008 with the same starting rotation that ended last season? I actually kind of got it, since Ian Snell and Tom Gorzelanny are emerging, Paul Maholm has a chance, Matt Morris is a veteran and Zach Duke came up through the minors with new pitching coach Jeff Andrews.

But now this week’s PG Pirates story . . . the 2008 line-up will feature the same 8 position players as last season? With only Nate McLouth and Nyjer Morgan competing for a job? Maybe Lloyd McClendon did have the right idea when he popped the champagne after only 89 losses.